Chełmy Landscape Park

The Chełmy Landscape Park, located in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, covers an area of 15,990.76 hectares and is one of the first landscape parks established in the former Legnica Voivodeship, created in 1992. This area is exceptional not only due to its unique biodiversity but also because of its geological features, which are remnants of volcanic activity. The park is dominated by deciduous forests (55% of the area), including valuable Sorbus torminalis oak forests, which are found only in the Kaczawskie Foothills. Here, you can find as many as 75 species of protected plants, including orchids and other rare species. The fauna includes 133 species of birds and 50 species of mammals, such as badgers, deer, and mouflons. The park is traversed by streams and lies within the Kaczawa River basin. Geologically, the park is situated in a complex metamorphic structure, with some areas featuring pillow lavas and basalt boulder fields. The park is part of the Natura 2000 program, highlighting its importance as a nature conservation site. Within the park, there are also nature reserves, such as the Myśliborski Gorge and the Siedmicki Gorge. Historically, the park's area is associated with the activities of the Cistercians, and its name comes from the Proto-Slavic word "cholmy," referring to the surrounding hills. The park is rich in landscape and natural values, making it an attractive destination for tourists interested in nature and the history of the region.